Upstairs bathtub/shower leaks downstairs

Asked Oct 3, 2008, 08:11 PM
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8 Answers

We have tried everything to repair this.. but every time someone uses the shower in upstairs guest bathroom it leaks downstairs into laundry room. We have tried caulking, replacing shower arm and using teflon tape... etc.
I am now wondering if it could be diverter valve? There is no problem whem someone takes a bath... only shower. HELP!!

I am now wondering if it could be diverter valve? There is no problem whem someone takes a bath... only shower.

Do you have a one handled or three knob tub/shower valve? What brand? To check to see if it's a pressure leak open up the tub access plate behind the drain and check for moisture. If you find some get right back to me. I would also take a hard look at where the shower stream hits the tile wall and where the tub meets the wall. Before you can repair a leak you must first locate its source. Good luck, Tom

Make sure you have no open spaces between trim and tile. It could also be your drain.

Do this:
1. Fill up your shower pan with water and leave it over night. See if it leaked. If not, you eliminated shower pan.
2. Following day, take garden hose, put it inside shower pan and turn it on. Let it run for 1/2 hour. See if you get a leak. If not, you eliminated drain as a source of the leak.
3. Now, deal with shower head and pipe between valve and shower head.

Make sure you have no open spaces between trim and tile. It could also be your drain.

Do this:
1. Fill up your shower pan with water and leave it over night. See if it leaked. If not, you eliminated shower pan.
2. Following day, take garden hose, put it inside shower pan and turn it on. Let it run for 1/2 hour. See if you get a leak. If not, you eliminated drain as a source of the leak.
3. Now, deal with shower head and pipe between valve and shower head.

If it is not the mixer then the problem more than likely is the tub. A hole the size of a pin head can and will cause major water damage below. Does your tub flex when you stand in it?? You can fill the tub with water and check it but may cause more damage below. Ask your plumber (

Milo Tub or shower the cure more than likely is the same. You must know this.

Perhaps! But we like to focus on the correct fixture when we answer. It makes the asker uneasy when they complain about a clogged sink and we tell them how to fix a toilet. But thanks for the observation. Tom

Speedball1 I do not disagree yet People call me when they have a crack on a ledge that is dripping through to floor below. I just want to cover all the basis. You know measure twice cut once. I have read your other replies and they are very good.

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